The market has ended higher in the last trading session ahead of Union Budget. The Sensex ended up 178.30 points or 0.8 percent at 23154.30, and the Nifty gained 59.15 points or 0.8 percent at 7029.75.

About 1039 shares have advanced, 1435 shares declined, and 176 shares are unchanged.

Coal India, SBI, Hindalco, NTPC and L&T were top gainers in the Sensex. Among the losers were Bajaj Auto, Hero, Lupin, Bharti and Wipro.

Dragged by a disapointing Rail Budget and February Future & Option series expiry, market sentiment remained low. The Nifty ended down 48.10 points or 0.7 percent at 6970.60 and the Sensex was down 112.93 points or 0.5 percent at 22976.00.

The market closed lower for second consecutive session ahead of Railway Budget and F&O expiry. The Sensex fell 321.25 points or 1.37 percent to 23088.93 and the Nifty dropped 90.85 points or 1.28 percent to 7018.70.

More than two shares declined for every share advancing on the Bombay Stock Exchange.